Blazers & Timbers endorse same sex marriage

Can this thread be moved to off topic since it does not pertain to basketball?

 

I'd have to think long and hard about it. I love the Blazers, but I also believe very strongly in equal rights. I have since the 1960s. The night Reverend King was assassinated had a profound impact on my life. I don't wish to share the details. It's very personal and I've only told a few people very close to me exactly how the events of that night changed me forever.

But I'd give the EXACT same answer if they came out with a statement denying any group of law abiding citizens equal rights under the law. No one will ever come out with an anti straight marriage position. The right for straight people to marry is a non-issue. It's so entrenched that people don't even think about it. Granting gay couples the same rights as straight couples does not infringe on anyone's rights in any way. That's why I have a hard time sympathizing with the anti gay marriage crowd. They are hiding behind religion to justify their bigotry and deny their fellow law abiding citizens the same civil rights they enjoy - and that's just wrong.

BNM

 

It's specifically about the Blazers though. Yes, it's political, but this is a Blazers forum and this is specifically about the Blazers.

 

Sure it's divisive. Tough shit. So was equal rights for African American and women. Those who have rights always seem to want to hold down those who don't have equal treatment under the law. Oppression of minorities is just plain wrong. It's wrong on the basis of race, it's wrong on the basis of religion and it's wrong on the basis of sexual preference.

And no, supporting gay marriage does not oppress straight people in any way. It does not infringe on their religious freedoms. They are still free to believe what the choose and worship who they choose. Supporting gay marriage may offend them, but it does not take away any of their rights. Like I said earlier. Anyone who is offended by equal rights for for any minority deserves to be offended.

BNM

 

I understand how you feel BNM. I really do. That's not what I'm debating at all. Is it wrong to deny people equal rights? Yes. Absolutely. 100%.

 

Okay, I'm done. It's clear that you do not understand what I'm debating, and I'm not going to try to continue to explain it. I'm just talking in circles while you continue to talk about why gay marriage is good, even after I said that's not what I'm contesting. Cheers.

 

Then speaking out against those who wish to deny equal rights should never be wrong, whether you are an individual, a corporation, a church or a sports team. That's my stance. The Blazers did the right thing and I applaud them for it.

And for those who say they should focus on winning and not politics (not you Nate), do you really think anyone who has anything to do with the basketball side of operations, any of the coaches, players or the GM spent one second preparing this statement? Really. You do understand there are people specifically hired to work in the public relations department. Relating to the public IS there job, not drawing up player or drafting or trading for players. Sheesh, really? Talk about strawman...

BNM

 

Oh, I understand completely what you're saying. You think the Blazers should sit on their hands and do nothing rather than risk annoying some people by doing the right thing and supporting equal rights for all law abiding citizens. I get it completely. You don't want the organization to have a conscience because it might alienate or annoy part of their fan base. I say too bad. Being right and being popular aren't always the same thing. Anyone who is annoyed or inconvenienced by the team supporting equal rights should take a long hard look in the mirror and ask themselves how they'd feel if their favorite sports team did not support their quest for equal treatment under the law.

BNM

 

seriously

 

"This"

 

Don't make it out like the Blazers are the white knight who can charge in and save the day. There are plenty of organizations who support equal rights. Why can't the Blazers be doing the right thing by doing nothing? The Blazers serve a purpose. They are entertainers. It's not like there isn't anyone else is championing gay rights here, and let's not give them more credit than they deserve. Sly pointed out that the Timbers and Thorns were the first to support gay marriage, and only did the Blazers join in after the fact. It's pretty clear to me that the Blazers were facing a situation where they could either join in, or sit by and look bad for not doing anything. In this regard, we can give credit (or blame if that's how you feel) to the Timbers.

In your opinion, is there any organization that should remain apolitical?

I've said before that I think sports should be a unifier. It should be a place where everyone can go and enjoy some basketball without thinking about the troubles of the world. When you inject politics into sports, whether it's a great cause or not, it messes with that. Just my opinion.

 

[video=youtube;UPw-3e_pzqU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU[/video]

 

all in good fun nate.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-b...me-first-nba-team-support-235350865--nba.html

 

I'd say that the yahoo commentary is pretty much spot on.